Day 275, Monday Burlington, VT

One of the mysteries surrounding Lake Champlain is the legend of “Champ” Reminiscent of the Loch Ness monster, Champ is purportedly a giant aquatic animal that makes the lake its home. Sightings have been sporadic over time. Locals and tourists have developed something of a fondness for the legendary creature. Representations of Champ can now be found on tee shirts, coffee mugs, and many other tourist souvenirs.
Lake Champlain is safe for swimming, fishing, and boating. It is considered a world-class fishery for Lake trout, Atlantic salmon and bass. About 81 fish species live in the Lake, and more than 300 bird species rely on it for habitat and as a resource during migrations.

Lake Champlain has been connected to the Erie Canal via the Champlain Canal since the canal's official opening September 9, 1823, the same day as the opening of the Erie Canal from Rochester on Lake Ontario to Albany. It connects to the St. Lawrence River via the Richelieu River, with the Chambly Canal bypassing rapids on the river since 1843. Together with these waterways the lake is part of the Lakes to Locks Passage.

We made a 25 mile trip to Burlington, VT and stayed at the Burlington Community Boathouse and Marina for $1.75’. It is not listed under the marinas in the Dozier’s book we were using but called them at 802-865-3377. The Ferry Dock Marina only takes boats 27 feet or less. Our boat was filthy and I couldn’t stand looking at it so the first thing we did was to scrub it down.

We were glad to be in a slip because the sky turned ominous looking and it turned windy, cold and a light rain. Tom rode 2 ½ miles to get spare filters to have on hand before we get to Canada. For .60 cents, you can catch a bus right at the marina which will drop you off at a West Marine Store. I bundled up and walked to the Church Street Marketplace. This is a closed off street a few blocks up the hill that has many venders, specialty stores and restaurants. This area is definitely a college town which you can tell as you walk around. The ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center sits right above the waterfront.

We met at 5:30 on the boat “Dolphin” Ray and Sandy; with other loopers “Lady Bug” Russ and Cindy; and Jim & Linda on “Selah”. None of us had complete charts for the next part of the trip and the discussion was which route to travel. At the moment we think we will pass on the Rideau Canal and the 45 locks involved along with an extra 46 miles.